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MLSE’s turf war with the mayor

Tues., March 25, 2014

Re: MLSE boss takes aim at Ford over stadium deal, March 23

MLSE boss takes aim at Ford over stadium deal, March 23

While Toronto FC season-ticket holders were enjoying big laughs in response to MLSE boss Tim Leiweke’s comments on Mayor Rob Ford’s reaction to the funding proposal for expansion of the BMO Field, other less affluent taxpayers were probably wondering why Canada’s largest sports and entertainment empire is again seeking help from the public purse.

As I recall, the original cost of this sports complex was about $73 million. The lion’s share, $55 million, was provided by the federal government ($27 million), the provincial government ($8 million), and the City of Toronto ($10 million in cash and land valued at $10 million).

The remaining $18 million was contributed by MLSE, including $10 million they paid for stadium naming rights they then sold to BMO for $27 million.

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While all levels of government are struggling to fund public transit, infrastructure maintenance, health care and other necessities, is it appropriate to ask the already over-burdened taxpayer to support one of the largest and most profitable private sector sports companies in the world, which in turn is owned by two other Goliaths, BCE and Rogers Communications?

Harry J. Rollo, Toronto

At a time when business leaders seem strangely silent about the antics of our mayor, it is refreshing to see Tim Leiweke’s comments about the BMO Field renovations.

The mayor considers the loan (he calls it a handout) of $10 million from the city to the project to be part of the “gravy train.” Mr. Leiweke reveals the “gravy train” slogan to be void of any meaning or logic as he points out, using simple math, that the loan (to be repaid in 20 years) would be advantageous to the city as it would avoid a $15 million repair bill that the city would have pay outright with no improvements.

Of course it has become obvious in the last few years that the mayor and his brother are not interested in facts or logic. Mr. Leiweke’s characterization of the mayor’s opposition to the loan as “good news” shows just how far our lack of confidence and respect for Mr. Ford has fallen.

David Sisam, Toronto

The MLSE organization just continues to show its greed and lack of ethics. A billion dollar enterprise with no shame — begging alms from a City that does not have enough money to cover its basic needs?

In fact our Toronto City Council should vote 40 to 2 not for but against the $10 million loan proposal to MLSE, unless it is at 10 per cent APR. Any other vote can only support Rob Ford’s contention of reckless City spending.

Surely either of Mssrs Tanenbaum, Mohamed, Cope and Leiweke can offer a personal loan ( i.e. write a cheque) or at least guarantee a loan at the TD Canada Trust, a one-time part owner of the Sports Empire.

Ted Tuszynski, Toronto

I’m an avid TFC supporter and I am apprehensive about this news. The idea that rugby and CFL will have the same amount of damage to the grass is ridiculous. Rugby is a sport that’s played over an entire field. It’s not two rows of 300-pound men in cleats battling for inches. The majority of play in football is concentrated to the centre of the playing surface. As a result the damage will be significant and difficult to repair.

Paul Hunter proposes TFC play before the Argos. He neglects to mention the Wednesday night games we have for the Canadian championship. How can this be played on a pitched chewed up a few days before by a CFL game?

Then there’s the lines. TFC have just invested millions on world-class players. If we start playing on a field lined for football, we regress to a second rate sport and look like amateurs.

Also, how will this change BMO being Canada’s national soccer stadium? Home to both the women’s and men’s team.

I think the heart of the matter is the sad story that the Argos, a franchise rich in Toronto history, has no home of their own. MLSE will reluctantly buy the franchise and move them into BMO field. And why would they do this? Are they making room for an NFL team? Is that the real story here? Then how popular will the Argos be?

Mark Ferris, Toronto

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